Graduate & CCE Ceremony

Kenneth J. Bates G’90, president and chief executive officer of Open Sky Community Services, will receive an honorary degree and serve as the keynote speaker during a separate ceremony honoring the Career & Continuing Education and School of Graduate Studies graduates of the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021. The ceremony will take place virtually and broadcast after the Class of 2021 Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 9.   

Bates has dedicated his career to serving the Worcester community. He was named the 2019 Nonprofit Business Leader of the Year by the Worcester Business Journal for his successful leadership to shepherd the July 2018 merger between The Bridge and Alternatives Unlimited, Inc. The merger resulted in Open Sky Community Services, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting and empowering families and individuals suffering from mental health or substance abuse challenges. Bates joined The Bridge of Central Massachusetts in 2015 and has since developed a strong community presence, which includes helping lead the formation of the new statewide Central Community Health Partnership with AdCare Hospital, LUK, Inc., and Venture Community Services, which provides for those in the greatest of need. 

He currently serves as vice-chairperson of the Board of the Association of Behavioral Healthcare of Massachusetts (ABH); as a board member of Parent Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) and the Children’s League of Massachusetts; is a member of Harrington Healthcare System; a member of the governance committee of Fallon 365 Care ACO; a member of the Steering Committee and Co-Chair of the Mental Health Priority Area of the Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester; and co-chair of the Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force in Worcester.  He was formerly on the board of the New England Association of Drug Court Professionals.  

Bates earned his bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Assumption.